A meeting with your shady self.
Michael James Watson
The battle is quick. The beasts can leap 20 to 30 ' in the air, bringing down a drake for killing on the ground. She feels the abyssal mark gleefully making fire tips on arrows, and she notes, on warbeast claws. The battle against their dozen is fairly effeciently done and the drakes don't back down even in death. Alex feels a prickling along her Abyssal senses. Looking across the field at the distant battle group she sees sparkling white on arrow tips and kresh claws. As the battle ends she steps away from the battle field and the dead drakes. SHe looks across the field and sees a figure seperate and stand away from her comrades mopping up their battle. She meets eyes and senses a deep frigid chill.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks baffled. Or more confused. She can't keep her eyes off this woman.. or reflection of herself. No this must be a shade of her then. Keeping her senses active she slowly approaches keeping a close eye on what the woman in the distance does. In her hand still her bow but no arrows in her other hand so far. So not directly intended to attack. Would this be the shade which Duncan spoke about. With her abyssal senses Alex tries to feel if it has the same feel of recognition she had with Laravela or if it is something different. She does not go as far that Karieeena or others could reach her.
Michael James Watson
She sees a pale haired woman come and kneels behind the image of herself. Raising her arms the woman puts bow and spear in her hands. A woman with tattoos on her bald head steps next and speaks softly to her. Her rearden plate armor is tight and effiecent looking, like munition grade armor made from that potent metal. She casually slings a style of modern looking crossbow in place. As if she was ready to raise and fire in need. The woman starts walking, crossing the distance between to two of you and while armed she is not looking to draw anything. Alex notes a dagger on her hip that though longer and with a different handle design is placed and worn exactly as a Rasak blade would be. SHe has a fire arm in a snapped over holster. At about 20 yards she says loudly,"So what Shade of Arden are you from, my lovely?!"
Amber Bronkhorst
Seeing the scene before her with the shade of herself. And the woman kneeling. A frown forms on Alex her face. Alex herself takes a few more paces untill the distance of about 20 feet is kept. Seeing the sort of Rasak dagger makes her feel hers more presently on her hip. The spike resting near it in her belt. When they are within range and Alex hears the greeting a sort of shiver goes along her spine. She can't place it exactly why. Perhaps the way that woman said the last words. Maybe the words itself or this whole damned situation it was odd. Not one who can lie that well Alex chooses her next words really carefully. "Clearly one that is quite far from this one. You seem less surprised than me about this encounter. Have you hade more shades of yourself visiting?"
Michael James Watson
She nods, "I had a Xandria attempt to assasinate me after I killed her lover, ah.. well, in fairness it was covered under family vendetta law in her shadow. Her lover was Lasasala, her sister. Both of their Mothers were Brandy of Amber. Vendetta law gets tricky with the shades involved. My king rep[ealed Oberon's consanguinity laws and the Vendetta laws. But the hand does what the heart wants, yes? I am Ser Xandra of Arden and cleary you are one of my proximate shades. Did Warden Duncan set you on a quest to follow a spike's trail?" She pulls out a nearly identical spike.
Amber Bronkhorst
The frown now replaced by an arched eyebrow Alex listens to the woman talking. Is she certain that she is the original. Wait.. is Alex the shade. A deep breath to get her thoughts to the present again and the focus on her abysal mark that thing has helped her before so best to keep it active and ready in case of dire need. Alex decides to best approach as she usually does a soft smile on her face and politeness. She inclines her head "Well met, Xandra of Arden. My name is Alexandra, Second in Command to the Warden of Arden. " Alex takes the spike from her belt and nods "actually no, i took it upon myself when i learned of these. He just didn't stop me. So, what do you know about these things?"
Michael James Watson
She pulls out hers, looks at it. "The Warden in my realm decided that these were a danger to the realm. King Julian had always considered them harmless, a minor nuisance. But Prince Duncan recently decided, and made the argument to his father, that nisance or not, we should know where they go. The drakes are an annoyance but generations of Rangers have honed their talents on them. Duncan, ah... The Warden, Prince Duncan..., " her familiarity causes her to stumble slightl;y, and Alex feels it stumble off her tongue in a familiary was of Stumbling Alex might have done. She thins this Xander may have similiar experiences with her Duncan as Alex herself has. "..well, he wanted to know where it led. So he sent me. We seem fairly similarly equipped. Do you have a bothersome uncle attached to you trying to earn some good will with the king? Do you have a traitor's daughter serving you? hmmm...might be fun to trade those for a few days, huh? We are going to set up camp and render these drakes. We have a cleanup crew trailing us. There is a good chance our spikes lead differant places but we are both here now. Shall we join camps? More servants means less messy work for us."
Amber Bronkhorst
At the stumble Alex raises an eyebrow, but she doesn't show anything more than that. "King Julian... Prince Duncan. hm i see. " Alex looks back at her group with a slight chukcle she shakes her head "hm no bothersome uncle, an uncle yes, but a great help so far. No traitors daughters, and noone really serving me. I don't do the servant thing that well especially when traveling with the Rangers. " She looks behind Xandra to take a better look at her people "we can share camp for a short while as we clean the battle field. And like you said good chance the spikes will lead us on different paths. " After a short hesitation Alex then adds "So can we agree no violence between our groups and us. For how much we might look alike, i feel we are as a person very much not alike."
Michael James Watson
"No violence? heavens, what will we do for sport? I was going to hunt your troopers with nail guns!!!" She laughs, "Just kidding. Of course not. No point in it. We are at cross traffic. Though I'd happily trade you a bothersome uncle for a helpful one. And if you change your mind about swapping Hannahs for a few nights I am intrigued at the differences. Heck, my Hannah isn't a slave. If she's interested shes free to indulge. Our contract is a mutual one after all. As for Uncle Random, don't play cards with him. He always wins, always cheats, and never gets caught. He's pretty good in the sack though. Really good really. What say we set up by those trees. Keeps both our groups away from the messy Drake cleaning business. We have support about a day or two behind so we'll be staying that long at least. Enough time for a good BBQ of drake tail don't ya think?"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks less amused at Xandra her joke but she does in the end of the joke crack a amused smile. Hearing Xandra has Random with her she blinks "You have Random with you? really? hm interesting, I have Dalt with me, he decided to help out and tag along with a few of his men. " She frowns hearing about Hannah "Well i can't say Hannah and i are close friends but i do come to respect her. So i won't swap people... that is not up to me anyway. If they are themselves intrigued about the differences of shades then they are free to go and talk about it." Looking at where Xanda gestures, Alex nods "seems fine to me. i'll inform my people. and also about this " She gestures between the two of them "situation as well. " Alex nods and then takes a few steps backwards to see if Xandra does the same. it seems weird but she feels she can't trust that version of herself that much. Pehraps a curious question for later of someone who might know more. How much of shades are still the same... coudl this have been herself if only a few things would be different.
Michael James Watson
She says, "Dalt? Dalt the Desecratix is with you now? Wow.....talk about a differant shade you have. I look forward to meeting him" She turns and walks back to her group and they are sorting out their drakes
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex lets out a short chuckle and then turns as well to walk back to her group to start cleaning up the drakes, and tell them about hte short stay they will have to catch a breath. Alex walks up to hopefully Karieeena, Hannah, Dalt and Callsal. Or at least most of them. Looking back again she pinches the bridge of her nose as if to focus her eyes after a major headache. "OKey, so, back there is a group lead by Xandra, who believes i am a shade of her version. Or that is what i make out of it. She is also on a mission set by, in her case, prince Duncan to follow the source of the spikes. We agreed to play nice, but i have the feeling i can't trust her as much. WE'll set up camp over there while we clean this drake mess up, as i do not want the cleanup crew be left behind with them there. " She gestures a tiny gesture towards the group of Xandra.
Michael James Watson
As the work is done one of the Rangers from Xander's group comes near one of Alex's and they talk. The conversation looks fairly professional. The two walk over and seem to be discussing thee fine points of dressing a drake. In a few moments the groups are mingling as they do the work. The drakes are cut into filet's, and the leather laid out. Dalt walks over to watch and Xander's people look shocked, staring at him.
Michael James Watson
Calsall walks over and gets into the work. He drags Hannah along as well. Work goes on and Alex gets involved as well. Both groups work efficiently. In time Alex walks off and watches casually. Xander strolls over, smoking a pipe, "Your people work well. Strange how shades work. We have two of the same people. And i recognize 4 more of yours. I told my people to expect Dalt and that he is not the same Dalt they know of, the Desicratix. He died in my lands after Pattern Fall but he made quite a name for himself leading troops of his own as well as a cadre from Chaos against Amber. He bonded with a creature named Maylon Hendrake, a daughter of Benedict by a Hellmatron. She brought a warband of warriors with the blood of Amber. Took some doing hunting them down. Only a few still live but the price on their heads is princely. " Alex sees a dark haired Hannah in armor with a bondage look. A collar with a leash pinned to it. She comes over carrying a table, a basket and two folding chairs. Xander says, "Will you join me in a snack? I've a strong honey wine, drake sausage, and some of the Calribin pepper sauce."
Amber Bronkhorst
At first helping and as things run smoothly enough Alex steps back and oversees. She is curious to see this Random version. How much different aould he be from the King she holds so high in respect. A nod to Xandra as she comes close. "As do your people. Figure it doesn't matter what shade one is from but skilled people are skilled people." Seeing shade Hannah her look a frown appears on Alex her face. A quick moment of contemplation, she doesn't want to make trouble where there are none but she should also stand for her morals and slavery as it seems.... seems very much against all she stands for. She turns to Xandra with a raised brow after shade Hannah brought the things. "No slavery hmm?"
Michael James Watson
Xandra licks her lips suggestively, "No involuntary slavery. This is...more of an arrangement... She gains status, I gain relaxation."
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks at shade Hannah then back at Xandra. She nods and shows a light shrug. "Alright then. Well if that wotks out for both of you. Who am i to judge." Alex then nods at the table. "I'll join you. Suppose there is some interesting comparisons to be made. So where is your annoying uncle?"
Michael James Watson
"He manages to volunteer to scout the area whenever there is real work to do. Though if I whispered in your ear that I wanted to play poker he would show up in moments. He survived The Black Road war by the skin of his teeth. Stayed in Amber during the Interegnum and the Repair. He and Margot even crowned themselves King and Queen of Amber. Pissed Julian off pretty hard i hear once he got back to Amber. Of course that was most of a century ago. I suppose your Shade has something similiar"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex chuckles, "He sounds, actually very different than the Random i know and respect." Alex not a frequent smoker but on occasions she does light one up. As she does so now. "Julian is not king. Well not of Amber at least. Duncan is Warden of Arden. " she tries to sound as neutral as possible speaking of Duncan. "The crowning of Margot did happen though, was before my time heard the stories of course. And the Random i know is a good man, respected and yes an avid gambler, gamer and musician. " Alex takes a long pull and looks Xandra over again. "So you are the Warden of Arden? How did that come to be?"
Michael James Watson
"Random respected? A different shade to be sure. I like Random. Gambler, musician, flyer. But...he sided with Corwin. Of course Patternfall was long before i was born. And I am Second Warden. Prince Duncan is Warden. My husband as well though our marriage is by the fey and not recognized by the Unicorn. Just as well. Mother got me into the Rangers when i was 15. I stayed afterwards. Good times."
Amber Bronkhorst
"Oh my Random sided with Corwin as well. But he dealt with his incarceration with dignity. " A slight chuckle "Guess that goes for most of the family. Brand hasn't been a bad prisoner either." A long pull from her cigarette as she listens to Xandra about Duncan to hide her expression "Married oh well, wow. Good for you. He and i just got, well together as you might say. After the three years with the rangers i left things had gotten. Awkward. And with Julian leaving, alot of other things was on Duncan his mind. " A short nod. "Seems both our mothers had the best training in mind. But not strange with her own upbringing."
Michael James Watson
She pours a strong whiskey punch as food is laid out by bondage Hannah. "Wait...You know Brand? He is a prisoner in Amber? My Brand died in the Abyss. Though...there are rumors he is in Regor, recovering. And you know mother's upbringing? I can't even get her to tell me who my father is!!!"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex tries to keep a neutral expression on her face. "Hmm curious how different shades are. No Brand has been a prisoner of Amber for his obvious commited crimes. The king has been as benevolent to keep him alive as long as he proofs to be useful with knowledge. " Alex nods slowly "Yeah mom and i talked alot. Now a bit less as i am less home but she kept my heritage from me as well. Always the oh it could have been anyone, i don't remember or that it is of no concern." Alex smiles. "But mom would know whats best. But i am curious what does your mother do in your shade?"
Michael James Watson
"Mom runs the Cadre. Civilian and exmilitary. Security guards, caravan guards, muscle for hire. Bitch won't tell me my dad's name but she brags about Hamilton being Calvian's dad at a drop of a copper wing. Bloody trollup. what does yours do?"
Amber Bronkhorst
"Cadre, sounds almost alike. My mother is in charge of the City Civilian Cohort. Events take place multiple times a year. Fighting in different styles tournaments." Alex almost chokes as she takes a sip of the strong drink. " to call my mom a bitch though... no, neither a trollup. I respect her to much, don't know who Calvian is. As far as i know i have no living siblings. And although mom keeps the father knowledge to herself perhaps it has a good reason, or it is truly something we shouldn't worry about. In all fairness, i hadn't given it much thought untill we started speaking about it."
Michael James Watson
She smiles," Yes, well....I mean no insult to your mother, or your Amber. Shades are different. Buddy Fish told me about several versions of himself for certes...do you have a Buddy or a Bleys? I have a Bleys. We both had Brands. Yours being alive and in prison, mine dead. How fairs Deirdre? she and mom are still ....well...companions....mother's main supporter in court. CCC....wow...I hadn't heard of that since I was a kid...it became the Cadre of course...but thousands of years ago. Different mandate. Wait....you don't know Calvain? My brother by Hamilton. I've always assumed Hamilton was my father even though he denies it. Is he in your world?." Walking up Alex sees a speedier version of Random; long hair in dredds wth green and black earth camouflage, a businesslike pistol on his hip. He steps up, conjures a camp stool and sits. He deals a hand of 5 card draw and pours himself a drink, "Wel, well, well, Xandra, who is this ravishing and not at all crazy looking version of yourself here? I'm Random but feel free to call me Jaxs, for Joker. By the way, there is a group of Ogres about a mile out. No idea which of our paths they were on. But they are open for a deal. 50 of the fuckers. Big...Xexe, we should pass on them Jules would shit if you brought them home. I would be happy to....negotiate with them for you lovely, for a price." Xandra looks to Alex, shrugs, "My Random"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks first a bit weird at the name Buddy Fish and but when Bleys is said she does the oooh him "Yes we have Bleys, absolutly and yes lots of shades exist. Makes you wonder what is real and what not. Deirdre.. she is not doing so well, presumed dead for long, now she has retreated to live in a more calmer place. That is why mom takes care of her estate there. And the name says nothing to me. SO do not know. Mom told me all my siblings before me for the ones that were there are long gone and dead. But then again.. there is this issue with not telling who our father is." She says with a shrug and then a sudden stop in words when Random joins them. Her mouth almost falls open, seeing this version. immidiatly wondering in his maybe wilder non king days would Random have walked around like that. Listening to Random or Jaxs, Alex nods calmly and takes another sip to hide her expressions again and reset it a bit. "Hmm yes your Random, quite different, pleasure to meet you Jaxs. And Ogres on the road, hm we'll see what to do with them. "
Michael James Watson
Random says, "YEs, Yes, See,See. Xandra?" She sighs, picks up the cards, "Two" Random deals two cards. "And what shall I call you except when room service arrives with our breakfast? And how many cards?"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks with a raised brow at Random/Jaxs. "See what?" She then picks up her cards and looks at them, it has been a while since she played poker and she has no poker face, but as long as nothing is on the table for a bet, ALex cares little. "You can call me Alexandra, though most call me Alex. " Remembering the rules she studies her hand and replies with the amount what would up her chances the best.
Michael James Watson
SHe looks at her cards and there are two 8s, two 9s, and a 10. Drawing one card she gets a 3. She stands with 2 pair.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex tries to not make a face but she really doesn't like gambling that much, she knows how to, for social things, and one time because she felt the great need to fall in good graces with those fan of poker and other gambling games. With a sigh she looks again at her cards and then nods that she isn't folding. ANd show others its their turn
Michael James Watson
Xandra lays down four 2s and a 3. Alex lays down her 8s and 9s. Random says," House of Princes, Julian and his kid brothers." Laying down a king, 3 jacks, spinning the joker on the top. He leans back and laughs. Xandra frowns. clearly having seen this joke before. She says. "Its his thing. He's allowed to cheat as long as there is no pot. HE sticks to it or does a term on the tree. " "And I hate that. I never cheat if money is on the line, or if we are playing Tonk, Bridge, or Mah Jong. I have standards. But sit me down for some Liar's Poker and I can put on a show!"
Amber Bronkhorst
ALex chuckles and pushes her cards further on the table. "I see, well good on you, to stick to those rules. But a term on the tree? what does that mean?" She looks back to where her people are and if she can spot her Hannah, Dalt Karieeena and Callsal. Just to keep an eye on things, she hates to be distracted and feels she still needs to stay alert. "I'm for that of the boring sort, i am not much for games or gambling, sure i play them and know how, as most are thought when serving in the army. " Leaning back she looks at Random and Xandra, "did the blackroad war happen with you guys? and how did it end? Clearly with Julian on the throne"
Michael James Watson
Xexe chukles. "Julian had a massive willow tree planted in a side courtyard of Castle Amber. People who piss him off get staked to it. How pissed he is determines how long you hang there and how many stakes are used.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks slightly shocked, "That sounds horrible. I get why you don't want to do a term on the tree." Alex turning to Xandra she asks, with careful chosen words. "So Xandra, if you do not know who your father is, how did you learn you are of the bloodline? I wonder how you found out."
Michael James Watson
"I was sent as muscle for a stupid trip into Tazilwose. Stupid golden circle kingdom of nutcase farmers. Nice people. Went with Donovan, Kristy, some cunt from Mandalay. Julian massively misread the situation. Ended up killing one of the 3 Parts of Lauravelak, a daughter of Brand that stank of Abyss crazy. I had her beating heart in my hand and a dungeon crashing around my head. The others started walking a pattern to escape. Laura's dead body told me to walk. Fucking compelled me. I figured it was killing me. But I walked, got her ice abyssal mark, and teleported back to Amber letting the Tazil sort their own shit out." Jax smiles, deals Alex a royal flush of all Jokers.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex listening to Xandra she arches an eyebrow but doesn't look as shocked. "That sounds quite familiar. Not fully but in the broad sense. And the ending in my version was, in my view, better. We were able to help Tazilwere and our King didn't missread the situation. " She leans back with a smile. "Hey at least you know now and can serve Amber at full potential." Was this something Alex believes in, yes, but she figures by watching Xandra her reaction how loyal she would be. Then looking down at her hand of cards she tries not to show anything but a short glance at Jax is made.
Michael James Watson
Jax smiles, " I know...5 duces "
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex looks now at Jax with a calm and patient look. "Well you are quite the player aren't you? I wonder where things went wrong for you. Now i am not saying my version of Random is better but i do hold him in high regard and respect. Did you ever marry?" Alex lays her hand of cards down again and smiles calmly.
Michael James Watson
"Marry? A few times over the centuries, in shadow of course. I had a brief and satisfactory arranged marriage right around the Black Road War. Payment for past indiscretions. It wasn't consummated till i was imprisoned for attempted assassination. I put a foot of a crossbow quarrel through Eric's shoulder and he damn near had me executed. 3" over and down and you would be talking to King Random! Julian convinced him to toss me in a cell rather then hang me using the same rationale he used for not killing Corwin. Damn lucky i didn't get my eyes burned out. Luckily this noble Moire wanted me to marry demanded to be put in my cell with me. We consummated like bunnies after that, mostly out of boredom. Made a nice proper political mess for that nasty screw brother of mine. In time he put me under house arrest and let me spend most my time up in the royal parts of the castle. I ran a floating card game for the castle staff and washed a hell of a lot of dishes. Learned how to make a perfect omlet and a perfect cheesecake. I have the production platers in my saddle bags if you are hungry. After the war Vialle and I traveled shadow together. Found a place to fix her ears. Deaf you know. We hang out still. Nothing serious." he winks at the end.
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex listens with a slight smile to this version of Random. It is almost amusing and fun to hear the what if versions of people she knows. When Random is finished talking she looks at him as he winks. A spock like eyebrow arches and Alex doesn't show anything else in reply to the wink. Demonstratively she turns to Xandra again. "Curious isn't it. To compare the differnences between our existences. I wonder how it works on a deeper level. If there is one real original or that we are all versions of how things could have been for the other. " She gestures to Random "Take your Random, he made clearly different choices and had different circumstances. And he is now traveling with you. My Random. For all intends of purpose i am calling him that way. Is married with Vialle who, is blind but sees more then anyone regular around her. And he is a great accomplished man. " Alex figures it is wise to not give all the info to these people. She still not fully trusts her shade.
Michael James Watson
JAxs leans back, "Great and Accomplished? Sounds lovely. I was never one for hunting down my selves. Too much good competition at the card tables. Bleys is the one who collects copies of himself. I did speak to one of my selves that was a Ranger. Had joined in his youth. Terrible card player. Hell of an archer. I am mostly an urban sort, born in civilized Italy after all, but that Random made me appreciate living wild like this so I've done a lot of it over the years. My understanding, from Bleys since he and I spent a few years traveling together on a bender after the dashing of his ambitions, is that the Shades have a percentage value of the theoretical true pattern. The people of a certain level can't interact with those higher then theirs the closer one gets to Amber. So here we have two Alexandras. I assume Alex is short for Alexandra, each with differant lives and yet both meet at the crossings of similiar missions. You have a Dalt, which by the way, scares the fux out of Xandra and I, and she has a Random. So....we have a King Julian, a queen Astrid, a Marshal Benedict, a Paladin of the Unicorn Borlak, and a King Corwin of the Primal Realm of Paris. What do you have?"
Amber Bronkhorst
Alex nods slowly " hm yes my name is Alexandra, but i generally go by Alex. " She looks to the direction her group is and possibly also Dalt " hmm i wouldn't say Dalt scares me for i know where his loyalty lies. But I would not want to have him against me no." Alex hesitates a bit before speaking, not fully knowing what danger it could hold. "A paladin Borlak? Really? Now that is something i should see to believe. But then again. Hearing your list, things are different. Except Benedict, he seems to always be in that place. Our Corwin is king of his own realm as well, our Julian is King in his own place. I think anyone as close to a paladin of the unicorn would be Osric. Only met him really once though. Lets see Brand is alive, Bleys is doing what he does best. " She sips carefully her drink, ending her lost there and hoping she has been vague enough.
Michael James Watson
Random and Xandra look at each other, she says, "You have a living Osric? He and Finndia have been listed on the rolls as dead since her failed coup in the early years of the kingdom. I should like to meet him too! Our Borlak is a tad....dull.
Amber Bronkhorst
"I believe in my version Finndo actually has been King. I think he lives a more secluded life now. But not to certain. It is not that i keep track of everyone. Quite alot of them. And Osric is the one who pushed me on the pattern. That is how i knew for sure what i was. " Alex chuckles. It might not be the full truth but best lies are closest to the truth. "And dull is good. I tend to be seen as dull. Living for my duty and loyalty for Amber. But i am very happy that way." She adds with a big smile. After a short moment Alex nods. "Well i should go check in my troops how they are doing. Would be a bad leader if i only sat on my ass. " Was this because Alex had no clue how to answer anymore. Absolutely that thats a part of it. And she needed to check in with others more knowledgeable than her what dangers shades and sharing info could hold.
